Weathervanes have occupied a crucial point in American and also agrarian history. For a long time, weathervanes were one of the few meteorlogical instruments that farmers and other people had to forecast the weather. This article will seek to provide an overview of weathervanes and will try to explain how they work. The articles will describe some of the types of weathervanes and will provide some tips on how to use them to effectively and tastefully decorate the exterior or even the interior of your home.

Weathervanes are interesting and have a lot of different shapes that the figure on top of the weathervane can come in. However, every weathervane typically has a large set of common features. First each weathervane has a figurine on top. This weathervane figure can is usally made out of weather resistant metal and will be exposed to the elements. The figurine can be in the form of a bird like an osprey, dove, hawk, or gull. It can also take the form of other widelife. One popular weathervane figure is the rooster that has origins back to Roman Catholic cathedrals. Other weathervanes sport oceanic figures like Neptune with his trident or mariners. Most figurines have one thing in common - they are designed to symbolize weather and the ourdoors.

The weathervane figurine typically rests on an arrow. This arrow rests on a ball that allows the weathervane to rotate depending on the direction of the wind. The ball rests upon four other arrows, each pointing in one of the cardinal directions (north, south, east, and west). Then each weathervane is mounted on top of a roof, a fence, or even a pole in a garden or field. When the arrow turns in relation to the directions on the compass point, the person can read which direction the wind is coming from or blowing.

Weathervanes work well on older houses built in the northeast. In fact, many houses or barns built during the 1800's may have been built with a weathervane. If you own an older home or you would like your home to hearken back many years, a weathervane is a perfect decorating idea. Weathervanes typically are mounted up on the roof or on a cupola (a structure that looks kind of like a church steeple). With a weathervane, a decorator can add character to the top of the house.

Many weathervanes are also handcrafted and are works of art. These weathervanes are great pieces for adorning the roof. In addition, many people use weathervanes to add a special touch to their garden or deck area. Again, when used here, the weathervane is a unique piece that hearkens back to a time before freeways, computers, and automobiles.

Weathervanes are also a great idea for coastal residences and are quite popular in New England. Many costal residences have figurines that are in the shapes of something from the sea like a fish, a sea bird, a compass, or a ship. If you live near the ocean, make sure that you look for a weathervane that is resistant to the salt and the coastal winds.

Clearly weathervanes are a unique decorative touch and add a touch of authenticity to an outdoor decorating scheme. Weathervanes are not for everyone. Be sure to take into account you entire decorating scheme and make sure that a historical, maritime, or classic look is what you are going for. Weathervanes also make great pieces for the garden.